Rick Lash
EDUCATION & BACKGROUND
Rick joined the Firm in 1984 after graduating from Cleveland State University. He and his wife, Monica, live in Strongsville with their three children, Jason, Jessica, and Jennifer.
RESPONSIBILITIES AT WD&W
Rick is the Firm's current Managing Partner and is also in charge of the Tax Department. In addition, he is Chairman of the Manufacturing Practice Group.
SPECIALTY AREAS
Rick focuses his efforts on the manufacturing, service, and construction industries. He has developed an expertise in auditing, taxation, and accounting, with a special focus in the taxation issues of Subchapter S Corporations.
He is a member of the Estate Planning, Manufacturing, and Employee Benefit Plan Practice Groups.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- The Ohio Society of CPAs
- The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- The Construction Financial Management Assoc.
- Past Chairman of the Cleveland Chapter of OSCPA's Construction Committee
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Rick is a member of the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce and the Strongsville High School Sports Boosters. He has often been referred to as "Coach Rick" by his children's baseball, basketball, and soccer teams.
BEHIND THE CREDENTIALS
Who has been the most influential person in your life/career? For my life, my parents instilled the core values that I live by. For my career at WDW, I owe a lot to Marty Hrabik who took a chance and hired me from CSU in 1984. He's been a mentor to me throughout my career at the Firm. In the early years, he gave me a lot of responsibility and in the partner years, I have sought his advice on various business matters.
Why do you do what you do? I like the diversity that working with a variety of clients provides and truly enjoy working with them all. I have a great business relationship with most of my clients and a number of them have become personal friends.
How do you unwind? Spending time at my children's sporting events.
What did you learn during your first year on the job that you still use today? Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? I enjoy our annual family vacations to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. I've watched our family grow up!
How do you spend April 16th? Hopefully at a sporting event.
What TV show can you not miss? My current favorite TV shows are Friday Night Lights, Grey's Anatomy, American Idol, Nip/Tuck, and Survivor.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A sports announcer.
What’s your claim to fame? I have coached all of my kids in at least one sport.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you want to have with you? My wife for moral support. If she was unavailable then it would be bug spray!
